Newsom wrongly vetoes AB 1668

Earlier this month, the California Legislature approved Assembly Bill 1668, a sensible piece of legislation calling on the governor to ensure geographic representation on the state’s Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission.

The commission advises the governor and legislature on mental health policy and oversees the allocation of Mental Health Services Act funds.

The MHSA, approved by California voters in 2004, imposes a 1% income tax on incomes above $1 million and allocates that money to county governments for mental health services.

Given the amount of money involved and the importance of ensuring these funds are optimally allocated, Asm. Jim Patterson, R-Fresno, who introduced AB 1668, rightly flagged the fact that not every part of the state is represented on the oversight and accountability commission.

Notably, the Inland Empire and Orange County are among the significant regions of the state not represented on the commission.

Neither is the Southern San Joaquin Valley, which includes Fresno.

“Different regions may require different needs when it comes to mental health services, and there is no one-sizefits-all model,” notes the bill analysis in the Senate Rules Committee. ‘Supporters state it is essential that the MHSOAC have representatives from areas throughout the state who know the needs of their region and who are passionate about getting individuals the help that they need.”

That’s right, which is why the bill easily cleared both the Assembly and the state Senate.

However, Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed the bill, saying, “I am committed to having boards and commissions that represent California’s diversity, including regional representation, and I already consider these factors in the appointments process.”

Well, the current lack of representation for vast regions of the state speaks for itself.

Gov. Newsom was wrong to veto this bill.

Representation matters.

The Inland Empire is a vast and rapidly growing region with distinctive characteristics.

It is not enough for Newsom to merely consider geographic representation. He should ensure that all regions of the state are represented.